Personal statement Guide

The personal statement is your opportunity to present yourself as more than a collection of grades and test scores. When the committee reads your personal statement, they should get a sense of who you are and what you can bring to the program. They can determine whether your goals and interests are a good match with their department. It's also an excellent opportunity to show off your writing and communication skills.

The format of the personal statement will vary according to school. You may be asked about your reasons for applying to the program, your professional goals, experiences that have influenced your development, or role models that have had an impact on your life. Regardless of the question, your personal statement should reflect some knowledge of the particular school and department that you are applying for. This is where all your research really starts to pay off; a statement that shows familiarity with the goals of the program and the interests of the faculty will stand out from a sea of generic statements.

You may only have to write a few paragraphs, or you may have to respond to several questions in a series of well-thought-out essays. Remember that this is your chance to shine! By now you should have a clear idea of why you want to go to graduate school; this is your chance to explain that in your own words
· Think carefully about what you want to say.
· Make sure that you answer the question that is being asked.
· Indicate the reasons why you think you should be accepted to the program.
· Emphasize that which is unique or special about you.
· Be positive and sincere.
· Stick to the guidelines provided for length, format, etc.
· Write a first draft, edit it, rewrite it, have it edited by someone else - take the time and attention this statement deserves.
· Check your spelling and grammar